My focus on the subject,"What is Learning" has deviated somewhat over the last couple of weeks. This shift in focus has evolved while on prac, having a good exposure to teaching a number of classes of middle phase learners. The range of diversity within these classes flutuates, however the consistant characteristics, are the number of special needs students in these classrooms. The "learning" in these classrooms, relates in my ability to understanding the needs and requirements of all learners, enabling me the facilator to effectively deliver task modified activities that cater for the differentiation.
The structure of the subject IT&D gives Middle phase learners, exposure to a variation of medias, for most, this exposure is their first. Learning expectations with this year level, is more targeted towards safety awareness in the workshop. Embedding this knowledge is enhanced when the facilitator can call on real life experiences, to exemplify the importance of safety in the workshop, while the learners are being exposed to small tasks and projects.
The "exposure" students gain through this engagement may well enhance the positive experience to the offerings in the area of IT&D. This exposure needs to be implemented and delivered in a way, the learners are hooked with the subject, laying the foundations and the opportunity to further explore the subject in the senior phase years, when the important "stuff " sticks and makes sense (Learning).
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
What is Learning
The Key Learning Area I will be specialising in is Industrial Technology and Design (IT&D). In this field, learning is achieved using a number of media's, including ICT. The hands on approach, manipulating materials, by following different processes would seem to be the obvious way students's learn. Reality is, whether it is woodwork, metalwork or CAD drawing, we learn by our mistakes, we reflect on our decisions we make, to complete a task. We want to complete a task more effectively and efficiently, still producing a quality product. This experimenting, analysing and implementing and reflecting, all contributes to, and examplifies Learning.
What is Teaching
In my eyes, teaching is the mode of delivery, that supports learning. Learning managers have the support network, the skills and knowledge, the resources and strategies to engage the learners in learning.
More to come
More to come
Observation in the Classroom
Only last week, I observed a typical classroom of Middle Phase learners. Six students' caught my attention, they were so disengaged, they were not even working on the same project as the rest of the class. They opted to sit on the side bench and disrupt nearby learners'. I asked my supervising teacher if I could oversee the learners and engage them in the lesson content.
After going through the initial design with the learners and talking through the process required, they engaged in the task. I stayed with this group all lesson and helped when required. The conclusion phase of the lesson , I was confronted with another lack of response from the learners. I had ask them to pack up, the reply was, can we finish this last bit. How can one reply to that. What a turn around, these students were so engaged they did not want to stop. They did pack up in time and were very eager to continue next lesson.
My reflection
Students who disengage in learning may only need to have a confidence boost. Instead of isolating these students, some one on one contact and guidence may be required. Effective teaching is balancing the group and utilising time management strategies to achieve the outcomes. It is not always the case, disengaged students do not want to learn, maybe, spending less time with the engaged students and working more effectively with the disengaged students would enhance their participation.
To hook students to continue in the Key Learning Area of Industrial Technology and Design, so they continue to senior and keep IT&D teachers in a job, we need to change our thoughts of the classroom structure, the delivery, content and the working relationships in the classroom.
Would the classroom work more effectively and effeciently if two facilitators work the classroom? Sometimes you wonder.
After going through the initial design with the learners and talking through the process required, they engaged in the task. I stayed with this group all lesson and helped when required. The conclusion phase of the lesson , I was confronted with another lack of response from the learners. I had ask them to pack up, the reply was, can we finish this last bit. How can one reply to that. What a turn around, these students were so engaged they did not want to stop. They did pack up in time and were very eager to continue next lesson.
My reflection
Students who disengage in learning may only need to have a confidence boost. Instead of isolating these students, some one on one contact and guidence may be required. Effective teaching is balancing the group and utilising time management strategies to achieve the outcomes. It is not always the case, disengaged students do not want to learn, maybe, spending less time with the engaged students and working more effectively with the disengaged students would enhance their participation.
To hook students to continue in the Key Learning Area of Industrial Technology and Design, so they continue to senior and keep IT&D teachers in a job, we need to change our thoughts of the classroom structure, the delivery, content and the working relationships in the classroom.
Would the classroom work more effectively and effeciently if two facilitators work the classroom? Sometimes you wonder.
Belief Statement - What is teaching
My belief is that the classrooms of today, needs to cator for the diverse needs of the learner. By this I mean, the content needs to be relevant, current and of value to the learner and delivered in such a way the learner engages in the learning and maintains engaged.This can only be achieved if the learning manager knows and understands his/her learners.
We have all witnessed the goings on in the modern classroom, in regards to behaviour management, students who continue to disrupt the class, their lack of enthusism and engagement. The perception comes across that it always the learners fault. I have to disagree.
My Key Learning Area is Industrial Technology and Design. I am amased that content being delivered today, is the same content I was exposed to 25 or so years ago. How is that current and relevant to the learner.
Yes it might be more work initially for the learning manager, However, imagine if the learners were given a series of options, a choice of projects to make, which suit their needs, ability and interests. The classroom will have a diverse range of projects being manufactured. Is this to hard to manage. At least the learners may be engaged.
We have all witnessed the goings on in the modern classroom, in regards to behaviour management, students who continue to disrupt the class, their lack of enthusism and engagement. The perception comes across that it always the learners fault. I have to disagree.
My Key Learning Area is Industrial Technology and Design. I am amased that content being delivered today, is the same content I was exposed to 25 or so years ago. How is that current and relevant to the learner.
Yes it might be more work initially for the learning manager, However, imagine if the learners were given a series of options, a choice of projects to make, which suit their needs, ability and interests. The classroom will have a diverse range of projects being manufactured. Is this to hard to manage. At least the learners may be engaged.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)